Parallel Champion 2000w inverter generators won't start 15k AC

CP3 · 05-03-2016, 10:15 PM

Bare with me here but I'm at a loss as to what I need to do from here. I have two Champion 2000w generators (73536i and 73540i which I confirmed with Champion can be run parallel) that will/can not start my 15k BTU AC. I've even tried running a hard start capacitor hoping it would allow them to start but no go. I live around 5800' elevation and will be boondocking anywhere between 4500' - 9000' so I know elevation is having a significant effect on the generators output.

So I suppose my question is, does anyone have a suggestion on getting this setup to work? I don't want to have to buy a huge 4000 generator but I have to be able to run the AC or wife will be miserable. Any and all suggestions welcome. Or if anyone can advise what generator they're running their 15k AC on would be appreciated as well.

HONDAMAN174 · 05-03-2016, 10:50 PM

Not in Eco mode right?

2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

CP3 · 05-03-2016, 10:58 PM

Right. I tried it both ways as it will kick up when it sees higher demand. But even with Eco off, they go into overload and stop sending power.

fonzie · 05-04-2016, 06:09 AM

and you have water heater and fridge on propane only?

CP3 · 05-04-2016, 07:46 AM

Yes, both on propane only and both off.

johnm1 · 05-04-2016, 07:46 AM

We have the same generators (maybe diff part #'s though) but they ran our 15k unit ok. We had to manage the power buy making sure I flipped all breakers until after the AC was running. After it was "warmed up" I could add a few things. Make sure your charger is off while trying to start the AC. That thing can be a power pig.

MrNiceGuy · 05-04-2016, 09:15 AM

Are you using a ground/neutral plug in one of your Champion outlets? Will other appliances work like your microwave? Are you able to measure the voltage leaving the Champion?

CP3 · 05-04-2016, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnm1

We have the same generators (maybe diff part #'s though) but they ran our 15k unit ok. We had to manage the power buy making sure I flipped all breakers until after the AC was running. After it was "warmed up" I could add a few things. Make sure your charger is off while trying to start the AC. That thing can be a power pig.

Maybe I'll try that. Being that yours ran it, but it appears to be "barely" leads me to believe I'm SOL due to the elevation I'm trying to run these at. I think if I were at sea level they would be fine but since I'm losing at least 20%, I think I've found my problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverado2500HD

Are you using a ground/neutral plug in one of your Champion outlets? Will other appliances work like your microwave? Are you able to measure the voltage leaving the Champion?

Sorry for my ignorance but I'm not sure what you mean here. I'm running whatever is on the parallel kit which I believe is grounded? Yes the microwave powers up and runs well, even with the generators on Eco mode. They increase the RPM on startup but settle down once it's going. I do have a multimeter so I think I'll see how much power I'm getting out of them, I haven't done that yet.

MrNiceGuy · 05-04-2016, 09:54 AM

Sorry for confusing you. A ground/neutral plug is used in an inverter type generator to solve a grounding issue while using an Electric Management System (EMS) like the unit from Progressive Industries. I do think a lot of your questions will be answered when you plug your voltmeter in and find what voltage the Champion is putting out.

johnm1 · 05-04-2016, 10:17 AM

Sorry - forgot to also tell you to call Super Gen Products. They're in Newark, NY (I know the location doesn't help you much). They are one of the only (if not the only) approved service center for Champion. I luckily live ~45 min from them and they've helped me a few times. I remember something about a bad batch of "brains" for lack of another term and they ended up replacing mine. The owners father (?) worked for Champion and they know these things backwards and forwards and they give great advice over the phone 315-573-7887. I've never dealt with the California location.

I bought both of mine and the parallel, refurb'd, from them.

BTW: I've seen 1st hand in their shop what ethanol fuel does to the gas tanks. One of their best recommendations is to use ethanol free fuel to help avoid the rust in the tank.

AJAbbott · 05-04-2016, 12:42 PM

I would think changing the jets in the fuel system would compensate for the alttitude.

johnm1 · 05-04-2016, 12:47 PM

There is a screw you can adjust, at least on ours. I forget where or what but the guys at Super Gen showed me several years ago since we we're headed from NYS to Rocky Mtn Nat Park and camping at 8500 ft. Never needed to make the adjustment though.

ndwiginton · 05-04-2016, 01:05 PM

I was wanting to do the same thing and when I called and talked to Champion tech rep he told me that paralleling the 2 2000 units wouldn't be enough and I would have to paralled 2 3100 units to start and run it. It seemed like a lot to me but that's what I was told. So for now I am left questioning what I need as well since i'm in the same situation as you.

tbolt69 · 05-04-2016, 01:21 PM

I originally had the same problem with 2 2000w Yamahas in parallel. Prior to installing a hard start capacitor I was able to start the AC by turning on the fan only for a minute and then started the AC. You might give that a try. Good luck.

mnoland30 · 05-04-2016, 02:43 PM

I've been reading on blogs & Youtube that with an easy start you can run an a/c on a Honda 2000. Has anyone here confirmed that?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2K0ptvYb6Q

bemilner · 05-04-2016, 04:07 PM

I have the Honda 2000 gen, and have run my 15000 A\C you need to buy the companion Honda 2000 gen. Although I have done this I would not recommend this since it appears to overwork the gen. I have two Honda gen (the regular gen and the companion) by paralleling these unit you can run your a\c and anything else you need to run without any problems

Powerman · 05-04-2016, 04:21 PM

I just received my champion 3100 and in the book they said that you can call them and they'll send you the high altitude jets. Might be different for 2000's.

pdqparalegal1 · 05-04-2016, 04:33 PM

If you are always above that altitude you can try to rejet the carb.

**bikendan** · 05-04-2016, 05:01 PM

I believe Champion does have high altitude jets for the 2000w.

Airborne · 05-05-2016, 06:54 AM

I had a similar issue with my Champion as I live at 6000 feet. I was able to order from Champion at no cost to me a high altitude carb jet. Once I installed this and made sure my water heater and fridge were on propane the a/c unit fired up. Works great at altitude up to 10,000 feet. Runs a bit rough under 3,000 feet.

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